"It is detected that the host has caused slight mental damage to the troublemaker Malfoy. The host is rewarded with 5 merit points."
Ding! "It is detected that the host has caused a significant amount of mental damage to the notorious troublemaker Tom. The host is rewarded with 200 merit points."
Robert listened to the series of system notifications with a calm heart.
Honestly, this system was practically useless. After the initial few useful rewards, the store had stopped offering anything worthwhile.
He could buy potion ingredients and alchemy materials directly with gold Galleons—there was no need to waste merit points. If only the system could offer something truly valuable, like Phoenix Tears.
Robert was so frustrated that he almost considered drinking a dose of Felix Felicis and waiting for a store refresh. But with his nightly study sessions with his senior, he had started neglecting the system store updates, only glancing at them occasionally during the day.
Speaking of the system, he recalled that tormenting Tom in the past had not yielded many merit points. He had assumed the boy had learned his lesson.
Apparently not. Tom had been biding his time, waiting until today to strike back. His patience was impressive.
That said, nightmare magic had turned out to be unexpectedly useful. Robert made a mental note to thank his senior.
The Hogwarts Express sped through the countryside, the scenery outside the window blurring into streaks of green and brown.
Tom sat across from Robert, his head bowed, avoiding eye contact.
He didn't believe for a second that Robert had truly forgiven him.
In fact, Tom was certain that Robert would take revenge at some point—he just didn't know when.
As this thought took root, a sense of unease settled over him.
A sudden knock on the compartment door shattered the tense silence.
Robert lifted his gaze from his book and looked toward the door.
The compartment door slid open, revealing a strikingly beautiful girl. She leaned casually against the doorway and asked, "May I sit here? There are no seats left outside."
Robert thought she looked familiar but couldn't immediately place her.
"Of course, there's plenty of space," he replied, shifting some books on the table to make room.
"Thank you! The other compartments are completely full." The girl entered, dragging her suitcase behind her.
"Tom, don't just sit there…" Robert prompted.
Tom, understanding the hint, got up and took the girl's suitcase, placing it on the luggage rack.
There was no helping it—he had already made a misstep today. He could only hope that behaving well now might lessen Robert's inevitable retaliation.
Tom sighed inwardly. Could anyone be as miserable as him?
"Thank you…" the girl said, a slight blush on her face.
"Please, have a seat," Robert offered with a polite smile.
She hesitated briefly before sitting down next to Robert rather than Tom, who remained expressionless.
"I'm Robert," he introduced himself. "This is Tom Riddle. He's a bit quiet, but he's actually a surprisingly good person. We're both first-years."
Tom forced a smile, though it looked more like an uncomfortable grimace.
"Nice to meet you," the girl replied. "I'm Anne Rozier, also a first-year. You can just call me Anne."
"Rozier…" Robert's eyes flickered with recognition.
That name rang a bell. He suddenly recalled Vita Rozier—Grindelwald's trusted follower—whom he had seen in Godric's Hollow.
The realization sent alarm bells ringing in Robert's mind.
Had Grindelwald already sent someone to keep an eye on him?
"Huh? Is something wrong?" Anne asked curiously, noticing Robert's change in expression.
"Oh, nothing. I just remembered that the Rozier family is one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight," Robert replied smoothly.
"Yes, we are," Anne said, her tone carrying a hint of pride. "Are you both from pure-blood families?"
"Yes, very much so," Robert replied without hesitation.
The truth was, Robert wasn't particularly concerned about blood purity. But in this era, being anything but pure-blood in Slytherin could mean social isolation—or worse. He preferred to avoid unnecessary complications.
"I knew it!" Anne said excitedly. "You both have that unmistakable noble air."
Her gaze landed on Nagini, the snake coiled on the table. "Oh! You have a snake as a pet? You're definitely going to be sorted into Slytherin."
Robert simply smiled.
Anne, however, seemed genuinely excited about meeting fellow pure-bloods.
Still, Robert remained on high alert. It was too much of a coincidence that a Rozier had sought him and Tom out so quickly.
Sure enough, after some casual conversation, Anne started probing about their family backgrounds.
Tom remained silent, while Robert skillfully evaded her questions, responding in a way that gave away nothing of importance.
By the time the Hogwarts Express neared its destination, Anne was visibly frustrated.
Robert had spoken with her for hours, yet she had learned absolutely nothing useful.
The train finally arrived at the station.
"I'm Ogg, the gamekeeper and key keeper of Hogwarts! First-years, follow me!" a burly man called out.
The students disembarked, and the platform became crowded with excited chatter.
While Anne was momentarily separated from them by the throng of students, Tom leaned in and whispered, "There's something suspicious about that girl."
"I know," Robert replied.
Tom looked surprised. "You do?"
"Grindelwald's most trusted follower is Vita Rozier," Robert said.
Tom's eyes widened. "You mean… she was sent by him?"
Robert shrugged. "Possibly. Either way, it's better to keep her close."
Tom frowned. "Then why let her stay in our compartment?"
Robert grinned. "Sometimes, people like that can be surprisingly useful."
Before Tom could say more, Anne reappeared beside them. He quickly clammed up.
The first-years followed Ogg to the Black Lake, where small boats awaited them.
"Four per boat," Ogg instructed.
Robert and Tom climbed into one, soon joined by Anne and another boy.
The boy's face brightened as he prepared to introduce himself—until he caught sight of Robert.
His expression froze.
Robert smirked. "Hey, Black, what's your name?"
The boy hesitated before replying, "Alphard Black."
Robert extended a hand. "Nice to meet you, Alphard."
This friendly gesture put Alphard at ease.
The boats glided across the lake, carrying them toward Hogwarts Castle.
Inside the Great Hall, the first-years gathered before a ragged, ancient hat placed on a stool.
Dumbledore, holding a long scroll, began calling names for the Sorting Ceremony.
One by one, students were sorted into their respective houses.
Then, Dumbledore called, "Robert!"
Robert stepped forward and sat down. The Sorting Hat was placed on his head.
"Interesting… You could fit in anywhere. Brave, intelligent, ambitious… But where do you wish to go?"
Robert projected a single thought. Slytherin.
"Ah, I see. Very well… SLYTHERIN!"
Robert smirked as he removed the hat and walked to the Slytherin table.
A few minutes later, it was Tom's turn.
He sat down, and the Sorting Hat barely hesitated before shouting—
"AZKABAN!"
Tom's face went pale.
The Great Hall fell into stunned silence.
Even Robert was caught off guard.
Did the Sorting Hat just…?
Tom: !!!
(End of Chapter)
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